Arriving at the Airport: Customs and Border Guide for Newcomers to Canada

What Happens When You Land in Canada

After months of preparation, your plane has finally touched down in Canada. The airport will be your first real interaction with Canadian authorities and systems, so knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prevent mistakes. This guide covers everything from deplaning to stepping outside the airport, whether you are landing at Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, Montreal Trudeau, or any other Canadian airport.

The process is largely the same at all major Canadian airports, although some details vary depending on the airport layout and whether you have a connecting domestic flight. If you have been preparing using our pre-arrival checklist, you should have all your documents organized and ready to go.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

The Canada Border Services Agency, commonly known as CBSA, is the government organization responsible for managing the entry of people and goods into Canada. Every person entering Canada, whether a citizen, permanent resident, or visitor, must interact with CBSA at their port of entry. CBSA officers have the authority to determine whether you are admissible to Canada, inspect your luggage, and assess duties and taxes on goods you are importing.

Primary Inspection

At most major airports, the primary inspection process now begins with a kiosk. You will use a Primary Inspection Kiosk (PIK) or a NEXUS kiosk if you are a trusted traveller. At the kiosk, you will scan your travel document, take a photo, and answer a series of declaration questions on the touchscreen. The kiosk will print a receipt that you take to the CBSA officer. If you are arriving as a new permanent resident for the first time, you may be directed to a separate line for immigration processing. Full details on border procedures are available on the CBSA website.

Secondary Inspection

Some travellers are directed to secondary inspection. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem. New permanent residents are commonly sent to secondary for additional processing of their immigration documents. At secondary, a CBSA officer may review your COPR, confirm your identity, and formally process your permanent residence. They may also ask additional questions about the goods you are bringing and your settlement plans. Be honest and cooperative. Officers deal with thousands of travellers and appreciate straightforward answers.

The Customs Declaration

Every person entering Canada must make a customs declaration. This is a legal requirement, and providing false information can result in fines, seizure of goods, or criminal charges. The declaration covers all goods you are bringing into the country, including personal belongings, gifts, food, alcohol, tobacco, currency, and any items you intend to sell.

What You Must Declare

You must declare all food, plant, and animal products. This includes items like dried spices, tea, candy, fruit, meat products, and wooden items. Canada has strict regulations to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. Even if an item is allowed, you still need to declare it. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency provides a detailed list of what is and is not allowed.

Currency Declaration

If you are carrying currency or monetary instruments with a total value of $10,000 CAD or more, you must declare this to CBSA. This includes cash in any currency, cheques, traveller's cheques, money orders, and securities such as stocks or bonds. There is no limit on how much money you can bring into Canada, but you must declare anything at or above the threshold. Failure to declare can result in seizure of the funds and penalties. Read the full requirements on the CBSA cross-border currency reporting page.

Duty-Free Allowances

As a newcomer arriving in Canada, you are entitled to bring certain goods duty-free. Understanding these limits can save you money on duties and taxes.

Alcohol and Tobacco Limits

If you are 18 or 19 years of age or older (depending on the province), you can bring the following amounts of alcohol without paying duty: 1.5 litres of wine (equivalent to two standard 750ml bottles), 1.14 litres of spirits, or 8.5 litres of beer or ale (approximately 24 cans or bottles of 355ml each). For tobacco, you can bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks duty-free. Amounts above these limits will be subject to duty and taxes.

Personal and Household Goods

New permanent residents can bring personal and household goods into Canada duty-free under the settler's effects exemption. This includes clothing, furniture, appliances, and other household items that you have owned and used before moving to Canada. You must list these items on a BSF186 form (List of Goods Imported). Items you own but are shipping later must also be listed on this form. If you do not list them at the time of entry, you may have to pay duty when they arrive. Full instructions are available on the CBSA settlers effects page.

Connecting Flights Within Canada

If your final destination is not the city where you first land, you may need to catch a connecting domestic flight. At most Canadian airports, you will need to clear customs and immigration at your first point of entry, collect your checked baggage, and then re-check it for your domestic flight. This process can take time, so plan for a layover of at least three hours between your international arrival and your domestic departure.

Navigating the Airport

Canadian airports are well-signed in both English and French. Follow the signs for "Connecting Flights" or "Domestic Departures" after you clear customs. If you are unsure where to go, ask an airport employee. Many airports also have volunteers in red or green vests who specifically help newcomers and travellers find their way. At Toronto Pearson, for example, there are multilingual volunteer greeters throughout the terminals.

Ground Transportation from the Airport

Once you have cleared customs and collected your luggage, you need to get to your temporary accommodation. Every major Canadian airport has multiple ground transportation options.

Public Transit

Many Canadian airports are connected to the public transit system. Vancouver International Airport is served by the Canada Line SkyTrain, which takes you downtown in about 25 minutes. Toronto Pearson has the UP Express train to Union Station, taking 25 minutes. Montreal Trudeau has the 747 express bus to downtown. Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and other airports have bus connections. Public transit is the most affordable option, with fares typically between $3 and $13. For more about transit systems, read our guide on public transit in Canada.

Taxis and Rideshare

Taxis are available at designated taxi stands outside the arrivals area. Fares from the airport to downtown range from $30 to $70 depending on the city and distance. Most airports also have designated pickup areas for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. These are often slightly cheaper than taxis and you can see the fare estimate before booking. Make sure you have mobile data or connect to the airport Wi-Fi to use these apps.

Dealing with Jet Lag

If you are travelling from Asia, Europe, or any distant time zone, jet lag can significantly affect your first few days in Canada. Jet lag occurs when your body's internal clock is out of sync with the local time, causing fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Before You Travel

Start adjusting your sleep schedule three to four days before your flight. If you are travelling east (from Asia or Europe), go to bed one hour earlier each night. If travelling west, go to bed one hour later. Stay hydrated during the flight, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, and try to sleep on the plane according to the local time at your destination.

After You Arrive

When you arrive, try to stay awake until a normal local bedtime, even if you are exhausted. Get outside and expose yourself to natural sunlight, which helps reset your circadian rhythm. Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime. Most people adjust within three to five days, but it can take up to a week for long-haul travellers. Do not schedule important appointments like bank visits or settlement agency meetings for your first day if possible.

Your First Steps After Leaving the Airport

Once you leave the airport, your settlement journey officially begins. In the first 24 hours, focus on getting to your temporary housing, resting, and buying any immediate necessities like food and water. In the days that follow, you will want to apply for a Social Insurance Number, open a bank account, and connect with a settlement agency. For a step-by-step plan, see our guide on navigating your first weeks in Canada.

WelcomeAide is committed to helping you navigate every step of your immigration and settlement journey. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can answer your questions about immigration, connect you with local resources, and provide support in your language. Explore our blog for more newcomer guides, learn about our mission, or see how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.